The mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former partner Cassie has testified about the threats and violence her daughter endured throughout their ten-year relationship with the music mogul.
Regina Ventura took the stand following several days of intense testimony from her daughter, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, who recounted troubling abuse inflicted by Mr. Combs, including coercive, drug-fueled sexual marathons referred to as “freak-offs.”
Mr. Combs, 55, is facing federal charges of sex trafficking and operating an illegal sex ring that exerted control through various crimes, including arson, kidnapping, and bribery.
Prosecutors questioned Ms. Ventura yesterday about an email her daughter, a pivotal witness in the trial, sent her on December 23, 2011.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.
In the email, Cassie informed her mother that Mr. Combs had threatened to release videos of her involvement in his sex parties as retribution.
Ms. Ventura read the email aloud: “The threats made to me by Sean Puffy Combs include him stating he would release two explicit tapes of me.
“He also threatened to have someone physically harm me and Scott Mescudi.”
Ms. Ventura expressed feeling “physically sick” upon hearing about the threats.
“I was bewildered; the mention of the sex tape shocked me,” she remarked.
The defense attorneys for Mr. Combs attempted to discredit Cassie’s testimony regarding the sex parties, claiming her participation was voluntary.
Ms. Ventura revealed that Mr. Combs, already very affluent at the time and with a fortune now estimated at $700 million by Forbes magazine, demanded $20,000 to recover expenses he had incurred on her behalf.
According to Cassie’s mother, the money was ultimately paid, rationalizing it as a step to ensure her daughter’s “safety.”
Sketch of the courtroom depicts Casandra Ventura holding back tears during her testimony.
Ms. Ventura was also questioned about photos of Cassie depicting bruises on her body, which were taken during the same period in late 2011.
“She had bruises. We wanted to ensure there was a record that she had been beaten by Sean Combs,” she stated.
Mr. Combs has accumulated hundreds of millions through the music, fashion, media, and liquor sectors and is often acknowledged for his role in bringing hip-hop to mainstream culture.
However, the rap producer and global superstar, once celebrated for his extravagant parties, now appears significantly aged after months in custody.
He maintains his not guilty plea to all charges and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
The defense argues that while the relationship between Ms. Ventura and Mr. Combs was complex and involved instances of domestic abuse, it does not amount to sex trafficking.
